Milestones 53 



few, if any, of whom were able to devote themselves exclusively to 

 the study of subjects which were of essential interest in such a soci- 

 ety, and yet were its founders. The story of their struggle is one 

 well worth the study, and cannot fail to excite wonder at what was 

 accomplished. In those times, the social organism had not reached 

 the Mgh pressure point of specialization which now forces all men of 

 ability to concentrate themselves more than is, perhaps, best for 

 their own fullest mental development and the enjoyment of life. A 

 man, it would seem, should have a profession for recreation as well 

 as for work. These men had, in addition to their usual avocations, 

 a profession for recreation, and to such good purpose was it fol- 

 lowed out that the present Society, its fine building on Berkeley 

 Street near Boylston, adjoining the Rogers Building of the Insti- 

 tute of Technology, and all it has done, directly or indirectly, have 

 flowed from their exertions. . . . 



"Some of the members, as Mr. Borne informs us, came to the 

 rooms habitually at five o'clock in the morning during fine summer 

 weather, and finished a day's work in science before going to their 

 own offices which was at an hour in the morning before that at which 

 many people nowadays get out of bed." 



The Eighty -Ninth Milestone 

 igig 



FOR many years it had been the policy of the Society to open the 

 Museum free to the public on two days in the week and to 

 charge a small admission on other week days. In 1907, the Society 

 opened the Museum for three hours on Sunday afternoon and was 

 gratified at the large attendance of people who showed their ap- 

 preciation of this privilege. In 1919 it was decided to throw the 



